One Day in Girona: City Walls,
Jewish Quarter & Cathedral Guide

Planning one day in Girona? This enchanting medieval city offers the perfect escape from Barcelona’s bustling streets and is the perfect day trip from the Catalan capital. It’s renowned for its ancient Girona city walls, historic Jewish quarter, and magnificent cathedral.

Having been to Barcelona more times than I can count, in summer 2024 I chose to head out of the city. I wanted to explore more of Catalonia. Being a history buff and a Game of Thrones fan, Girona flew right to the top of my list and it absolutely delivered beyond my expectations.

Located just 85 kilometres northeast of the Catalonian capital, Girona’s compact old town is perfect for day trips. You can explore centuries of history, Game of Thrones filming locations, and architectural masterpieces in a single unforgettable day. After my recent visit, I can confidently say this medieval gem offers one of Spain’s most rewarding day trip experiences.

This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to maximise your Girona day trip. It’s based on my personal exploration of the city’s medieval fortifications and discovering hidden gems within Europe’s best-preserved Jewish district. Whether you’re drawn by the cathedral’s iconic staircase featured in HBO’s epic series or are eagerto walk along walls that have protected this city since Roman times, this guide has you covered.

Getting to Girona: Your Journey Begins

Train: The Best Option

The train from Barcelona to Girona remains the most efficient and enjoyable way to reach this medieval gem. Spain’s high-speed rail network whisks you from Barcelona Sants station to Girona in just 39 minutes. This makes it ideal for day-trippers seeking maximum exploration time. Regular departures run every hour throughout the day with return tickets typically costing around €40.

Upon arriving at Girona’s modern train station, a pleasant 20-minute walk leads to the Barri Vell (Old Town), which is where your medieval adventure truly begins. This flat, straightforward route passes through Plaça de Catalunya, one of Girona’s central squares. You’ll then cross the Onyar River via the historic Pont de Pedra. The cathedral’s distinctive tower serves as a natural landmark. It’s visible from various points throughout your approach.

Alternative Transport Options

Whilst bus services connect Barcelona Airport directly to Girona, they take approximately two hours. The convenience and speed of rail transport make trains the superior choice for most visitors. Car hire offers flexibility for exploring wider Catalonia. However, it presents parking challenges within Girona’s narrow medieval street where spaces are limited and its expensive to park.

When to Visit Girona: Timing Your Perfect Day

Girona welcomes visitors year-round with each season offering distinct advantages for your day trip experience. Summer months provide longer daylight hours for sightseeing. They also offer pleasant weather for walking the city walls. However, higher temperatures often exceed 30°C. Tourist numbers peak during July and August. My June visit struck an ideal balance between favorable weather and manageable crowds.

Spring brings the spectacular Temps de Flors festival in May. The entire city transforms into a living garden during this time when vibrant floral displays adorn courtyards, staircases, and hidden corners throughout the old town. Temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor exploration but occasional rain showers require flexible planning and waterproof layers.

Autumn emerges as perhaps the most rewarding season for visiting Girona. Temperatures settle between 15°C and 25°C, perfect for extended walks. You can stroll along the medieval walls and through the Jewish quarter’s narrow alleys and with fewer tourists, there are shorter queues at popular attractions. Local wine and food festivals showcase Catalonian culinary traditions at their finest.

Winter offers its own charm with Christmas markets filling the cathedral square. Holiday decorations illuminate the city’s ancient stones and accommodation prices drop significantly during this season. The absence of summer crowds allows for intimate exploration of Girona’s most atmospheric corners. However, shorter days limit sightseeing hours.

Morning: Exploring Girona’s Historic Heart

First Steps into Medieval Girona

Begin your Girona adventure by walking from the train station towards the old town. Pause at the Onyar River to admire the colourful houses that line its banks. These picturesque façades are painted in warm yellows, oranges, and reds and create one of Catalonia’s most photographed riverside scenes. They also provide your first glimpse of Girona’s unique character.

The Rambla de la Llibertat serves as your gateway into the medieval world. It follows the river’s path through a pedestrian-friendly street and is lined with cafés, boutiques, and traditional shops, housed within centuries-old buildings. This bustling thoroughfare maintains its role as Girona’s social heart; locals gather here for morning coffee and it is visitors first steps into medieval Girona.

Girona Cathedral: Game of Thrones Icon

Ascending through Carrer de les Ballesteries leads to Girona’s crown jewel, the magnificent Girona cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline. The Girona Cathedral’s famous staircase comprises 90 imposing steps and gained international recognition as the Great Sept of Baelor in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The staircase featured prominently in Cersei’s walk of atonement and also appeared in numerous other pivotal scenes throughout the series’ first six seasons. As a Game of Thrones fan, standing on these very steps was genuinely thrilling. You can almost hear the bells of shame echoing around you.

Cathedral Architecture and Interior

Beyond its television fame, the cathedral represents a remarkable architectural journey through time. Construction began in the 11th century and continued for several centuries, resulting in a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. The lower levels including the impressive cloister and Charlemagne’s tower showcase Romanesque craftsmanship. The interior also boasts the world’s widest Gothic nave with the 18th-century Baroque façade provides a striking contrast to the medieval stonework.

Inside the cathedral, visitors discover an extraordinary collection of religious art. This includes the famous Creation Tapestry and medieval manuscripts. During my visit, I was particularly struck by the sheer scale of the Gothic nave. Photos simply don’t capture the overwhelming sense of space and grandeur – you really have to see it to believe it. The cathedral visit is priced at €5 for adults or you can visit the cathedral, art museum and St Felix church with this tour. Its recommended to book early as it can sell-out. The visit typically requires 45 minutes to an hour.

Girona City Walls: Medieval Fortifications

Behind the cathedral, the serene Jardins dels Alemanys provides access to one of Girona’s most spectacular attractions. Named for German soldiers stationed here during the Napoleonic Wars, they offer a peaceful transition from the cathedral’s grandeur to the ancient military might of the Muralles de Girona.

The Girona city walls represent one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortification systems. Their origins date back to Roman times when the settlement was known as Gerunda, with successive civilizations expanding and reinforcing these defenses. This created the impressive circuit that visitors can walk today. The walls encircle much of the Barri Vell and provide elevated pathways with panoramic views across the city and surrounding countryside.

Walking the Passeig de la Muralla offers constantly changing perspectives of Girona’s terracotta rooftops. You’ll see the cathedral’s imposing presence and the Pyrenees mountains rising in the distance. During my walk along these ancient walls, I was amazed by how well-preserved they are. It’s genuinely like stepping back in time while enjoying some of Catalonia’s best views.

Several towers along the route provide opportunities to climb higher for even more spectacular vistas. This makes this free attraction one of the most rewarding experiences in Girona. The complete circuit requires approximately 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. However, I spent considerably longer photographing the views and absorbing the historical atmosphere.

Girona Jewish Quarter: El Call’s Medieval Legacy

Descending from the city walls leads directly into El Call, Girona’s remarkably preserved Jewish quarter. It ranks among Europe’s most significant medieval Jewish districts. Jews first settled in Girona during the 9th century and initially thrived under Muslim rule before facing increasing persecution. This followed the Christian Reconquista, culminating in their expulsion during the Spanish Inquisition of 1492.

The narrow cobblestone streets of El Call wind through a labyrinthine network of alleys, courtyards, and staircases that have remained virtually unchanged since medieval times. Stone buildings lean toward each other across passages barely wide enough for two people creating an intimate atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

The Museum of Jewish History provides fascinating context for your exploration. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays, illuminating the daily lives, traditions, and ultimate tragedy of Girona’s Jewish population. Interactive exhibits explain the community’s contributions to medieval scholarship, commerce, and culture whilst preserved Hebrew inscriptions and ritual objects offer tangible connections to this lost world.

Midday: Culinary Delights and Cultural Treasures

Local Restaurant Recommendations

After morning explorations, Girona’s culinary scene beckons with authentic Catalonian flavours, served in atmospheric medieval settings. After walking around the city, I settled on El Pati de la Veina and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice!

Nestled within Carrer de les Ballesteries, it exemplifies the city’s charming restaurant culture with its quirky décor and exceptional two-course lunch menu. The menu is priced around €20. I chose this local favourite for my lunch and wasn’t disappointed as the quality and presentation far exceeded my expectations for the price point. This restaurant showcases traditional ingredients with modern presentations, offering generous portions that satisfy hungry sightseers. It also accommodates vegetarian and vegan preferences.

La Tabarra Girona presents a more contemporary approach to Catalonian cuisine. It blends traditional tapas with innovative twists using locally sourced ingredients. Located on a bustling old town street, this restaurant provides excellent people-watching opportunities. You can sample regional wines and craft beers alongside expertly prepared small plates, celebrating the area’s culinary heritage.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

For those seeking guilt-free indulgence, Madonna Gelats serves entirely vegan ice cream. It rivals traditional dairy versions in both flavour and texture. As someone who had never tried vegan ice cream before, I was genuinely amazed. I honestly couldn’t tell the difference from traditional gelato. This charming gelateria near the cathedral offers a refreshing break from sightseeing and also supports sustainable food practices. With ethical outstanding ice cream, you can eat at Madonna Gelats guilt-free!

Afternoon: Hidden Gems and Cultural Immersion

Arab Baths: A Window into Medieval Life

The Arab Baths provide a fascinating glimpse into Girona’s multicultural past and represent one of the best-preserved examples of medieval public bathing facilities in Spain. Built in 1194 and used until the 15th century, these baths blend architectural influences, combining Roman, Christian, and Muslim elements in a compact complex. This once served as an important social center for the medieval community.

The €3 admission fee grants access to remarkably intact chambers. These include the frigidarium (cold room), caldarium (hot room), and steam rooms. The octagonal pool beneath a domed roof creates an atmospheric centerpiece and detailed explanations illuminate the social and hygienic practices of medieval society. During my visit, I was fascinated by how these 800-year-old bathing facilities still felt remarkably modern with their design and purpose still relevant today. This 20-minute visit offers valuable cultural context and provides welcome respite from outdoor exploration.

The Iconic Eiffel Bridge

The Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles) represents one of Girona’s most photographed landmarks. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1876. He used the same ironwork techniques later employed in his famous Parisian tower and the bridge’s distinctive red iron structure creates a striking contrast, against the colourful houses lining the Onyar River. It is the perfect spot for a selfie or some artsy photos of Girona.

Standing on the bridge provides spectacular views upstream and downstream. The interplay of medieval architecture, flowing water, and modern urban elements creates a uniquely Gironian scene. The bridge serves as both a functional river crossing and an artistic statement and embodies the city’s ability to embrace modernity while preserving its historical character.

Museum of Cinema: Film History Unveiled

The Museum of Cinema occupies the historic Casa de les Aigües and houses over 30,000 items that chronicle the evolution of visual storytelling. This spans from shadow puppets to modern filmmaking. This remarkable collection includes pre-cinema artifacts, early cameras, projectors, and an impressive array of magic lanterns, demonstrating humanity’s enduring fascination with moving images.

Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experiment with early animation techniques. There are reconstructions of the Lumière brothers’ cinematograph providing hands-on understanding of cinema’s technological development and making the museum a great option for families. With engaging activities for children alongside serious historical documentation, it offers something for all ages.

Late Afternoon: Parks and Local Culture

Parc de la Devesa: Natural Respite

Parc de la Devesa offers a verdant retreat from urban exploration. It spans 40 hectares near the confluence of three rivers that define Girona’s geography. Over 2,500 plane trees create a natural cathedral of shade and beauty, some of which date back 150 years. Locals and visitors alike treasure this space for relaxation and recreation.

Wide pathways accommodate walkers, joggers, and cyclists whilst numerous benches provide perfect spots for reflection on your day’s discoveries. The park frequently hosts local markets and cultural events, particularly on weekends, providing opportunities to experience contemporary Gironian life alongside its historical treasures.

Shopping and Cultural Immersion

The local shops and boutiques scattered throughout the old town provide excellent opportunities for souvenir hunting and cultural immersion. Many of the stores are family-run establishments that have operated for generations and now sit alongside contemporary boutiques showcasing local crafts, artisanal products, and unique fashion items. These reflect Girona’s creative spirit.

Engaging with shop owners often reveals fascinating stories about local traditions, family histories, and the evolution of Gironian commerce. These interactions create meaningful connections that transform simple purchases into cultural exchanges and enrich your understanding of modern life in this ancient city.

Essential Tips for Your Girona Day Trip

What to Pack and Wear

Comfortable walking shoes represent your most important equipment for exploring Girona. The city’s cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, and occasional hills require appropriate footwear so no high heels or flip flops. The compact nature of the old town means everything remains within easy walking distance and so walking is the ideal way to discover hidden corners and atmospheric details.

Weather preparation varies dramatically by season. Summer visitors require substantial sun protection including high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. Spring and autumn travellers should pack layers and waterproof items for unpredictable weather. Winter visitors need warm clothing for cool evenings and shorter daylight hours.

Navigation and Budget Tips

The cathedral’s prominent tower serves as an excellent navigation landmark throughout your visit. Visible from most locations within the old town, it provides reliable orientation when exploring the maze-like streets of the Jewish quarter or city walls.

Budget-conscious travellers can enjoy many of Girona’s highlights without significant expense. The city walls, Jewish quarter, and most architectural landmarks offer free exploration. The Menú del Día tradition provides excellent value dining. Many restaurants offer complete meals including starter, main course, dessert, bread, and drinks. These are available for reasonable fixed prices.

Advance ticket purchases for train travel often provide better prices than same-day bookings. Flexible scheduling can reveal significant savings on slightly longer journeys or off-peak departures.

Final Thoughts: Your Unforgettable Day in Medieval Girona

One day in Girona provides a perfect introduction to one of Catalonia’s most enchanting cities. From the Roman foundations supporting medieval walls, Jewish heritage intertwining with Christian architecture, and Game of Thrones fantasy meeting authentic historical reality, Girona really is a must-visit destination. The combination of easily accessible attractions, outstanding food, and genuine cultural experiences make Girona a place that will steal your heart again and again.

Whether you’re drawn by the panoramic views from the city walls, the atmospheric streets of the Jewish quarter, or the iconic cathedral staircase, Girona delivers authentic medieval charm. I visited Girona on my 29th visit to Spain and I was still bowled over by its sheer beauty and immaculately preserved architecture. It felt like stepping back in time and was the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona.

Your day trip to Girona represents more than sightseeing – it’s a journey through time that reveals the layers of civilization that have shaped modern Catalonia. From Roman stones to medieval fortifications, from Jewish scholarship to Christian devotion, from television fame to timeless beauty, Girona offers experiences that resonate long after your return journey begins. So get your trip to Girona booked today!